Patterns of genomic differentiation and evolution of reproductive barriers among four hybridizing species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae)

• Grant number: 22/09509-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: May 15, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Clarisse Palma da Silva
• Grantee: Marília Manuppella Tavares
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/18306-0 - Patterns of genomic differentiation and evolution of reproductive barriers among two hybridizing species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae), BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Speciation is a continuous and complex process which consists of the gradual accumulation of changes and the evolution of reproductive isolation. Here, we will investigate patterns of genomic differentiation, interspecific gene flow and demographic events of populations of four species of the Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) genus adapted to naturally fragmented environments in the Atlantic Rainforest. These species have a high population structure and despite strong reproductive barriers previously described, hybridize in the wild. In this project, we will use high-resolution genomic data and a set of complex statistics and bioinformatics tools to study sympatric and allopatric populations. Thereby, we aim to understand how the evolution of reproductive isolation barriers promote speciation with gene flow and investigate the role of hybridization and introgression in the diversification processes of this group, deepening the investigations on the genetic basis of speciation in groups of recent adaptive radiation in Neotropical region.